Thiago Silva: Abidal is the best defender in the world

Paris Saint-Germain center back Thiago Silva believes that Monaco counterpart Eric Abidal is the best defender in the world.

The veteran France international was not offered a new contract by Barcelona over the summer, so he returned to the Stade Louis II, where he started his career, and promptly managed win back his place in the Bleus' setup.

Thiago Silva has been impressed by Abidal's form in Ligue this season and when asked by Canal+ who he felt the best defender in the game was, the Brazilian stated: "Today it is Abidal. Besides being a good teammate, he always makes the difference in the game. I really admire the calmness in his game. I try to be like him and stay calm."

The former AC Milan star went on to claim that Abidal's season could easily end with him getting his hands on the most prestigious prize in soccer next summer.

"France have a great chance of winning the World Cup," Thiago Silva said. "But Brazil will do everything to avoid that, of course."